Genetic testing for cancer in children: short-term psychological effect

Abstracts

14

with pathological ultrasound findings only 44 (37%) had positive clinical findings. A screening that is restricted to children with positive risk factors, positive family history or breech position) would result in half of the newborns with pathological hips not being treated in time. Outcomes

of neonatal

for congenital hypothyroidism. M. Dattani, Endocrinology Ctr., G. Ormond St. Hosp. Sick 3JH, GBR.

screening

C.G.D. Brook, London Pediatric Children, London WClN

The introduction of screening for congenital hypothyroidism has led to a marked improvement in neurodevelopmental outcome that has largely been attributed to the introduction of early treatment in the form of thyroxine. However, recent research has shown that the effect of hypothyroidism on the developing brain can result in specific developmental defects regardless of the early commencement of treatment. These defects consist predominantly of defective motor skills, clumsiness, learning difficulties, and behavior problems. Genetic testing for cancer

Codori,

in children:

short-term

psychological

G.M. Petersen, P.A. Boyd, J. Brandt, F.M. Giardiello,

Hospital, Meyer 218, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore,

MD 21287-7218,

effect. A.-M. Johns Hopkins USA.

Objective: To study the psychological effect of genetic testing in children. Design: We evaluated the psychological effect of predictive genetic testing through surveys of children at risk for familial adenomatous polyposis. Their psychological state was assessed before testing and 3 months later. Setting: A research clinic. Participants: A volunteer sample of 41 children, aged 6-16 years, and their parents. Main Outcome Measures: Self-report inventories of depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and competence. Results: Nineteen children were found to have a gene mutation (mutation-positive) and 22 did not (mutation-negative). Their depression, anxiety, and behavior problem and competence scores remained in the normal range after testing. Also, parents’ depression scores remained within normal limits at follow-up. There were subclinical changes, however. Mutation-positive children with affected mothers had significantly higher depression scores at follow-up. Also, regardless of test results, children with affected mothers had significantly increased anxiety scores after testing. In families with mutation-positive and mutation-negative children, familial adenomatous polyposis-unaffected parents experienced significantly increased depressive symptoms at follow-up. Conclusions: Predictive testing of children at risk for familial adenomatous polyposis did not lead to clinically significant psychological symptoms in tested children or their parents. However, it is premature to conclude that long-term follow-up will be equally favorable. Additional study will be needed to determine the families’ understanding of the genetic information and the effect of the information on familial relationships. Clinical impact of transcutaneous bilirubinometry as an adjunctive screen for hyperbilirubinemia. J. Dai, J. Krahn, D.M. Parry, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Man. R2H 2A6, CAN.